How Italy is boosting the travel industry with a new visa-free policy for 64 countries including Schengen countries, the US and the UK – Travel & World Travel

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Italy’s visa-free policy now covers 64 countries, including all members of the Schengen area, significantly increasing its travel and tourism sector. This comprehensive approach meets diverse travel needs, including business and corporate travel as well as leisure activities and vacations. The policy aims to simplify entry procedures and promote a multicultural flow of tourists, thereby boosting economic growth through increased visitor spending. This strategic move not only simplifies travel logistics, but also positions Italy as a welcoming destination for a wide spectrum of international travelers, further enriching its cultural tapestry and economic vitality.

In 2023, Italy welcomed over 134 million tourists, resulting in more than 450 million overnight stays, as reported by ISTAT, the Italian Institute of Statistics. The beginning of 2024 saw a 7.4 percent increase in international tourist arrivals compared to the same period last year, reaching around 5.1 million. By March 2024, the country’s accommodations recorded approximately 8.1 million arrivals from international and domestic tourists.

Throughout 2024, spending patterns across Italy’s regions changed significantly due to economic differences. The northern areas, especially Lombardy and Veneto, experienced significant industrial investment, each with a GDP per capita of over €40,000. Meanwhile, central regions such as Tuscany and Lazio excelled in the tourism and technology sectors, with per capita spending averaging around €30,000. In contrast, southern regions, including Sicily and Calabria, faced economic obstacles with per capita spending below 20,000 euros, despite advances in agritourism and renewable energies. This disparity underscored Italy’s economic divide from north to south, drawing back the government’s efforts to achieve regional economic balance.

List of travel to Italy without visa

Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Colombia, South Korea, Costa Rica, Dominica, El Salvador, United Arab Emirates, Georgia, Japan , Grenada, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong SAR, Solomon Islands, Israel, Kiribati, Kosovo, Malaysia, Macau SAR, North Macedonia, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Nauru, Nicaragua, New Zealand, Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Christopher (Saint Kitts) and Nevis, United Kingdom, Samoa, Saint Lucia, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, United States, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Taiwan, East Timor, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Ukraine, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, France.

US citizens are allowed to enter Italy for tourism or business without the need for a visa.

Italy is known for its lively festivals and events, offering tourists unique opportunities to immerse themselves in the country’s rich cultural traditions.

In 2023, the Kappa FuturFestival in Turin made headlines for its massive international participation. Celebrated for its modern urban electronic music, the festival attracted around 85,000 attendees from over 100 countries, securing its place as one of the top five European summer festivals with its dynamic performances and lively atmosphere.

Italy offers a diverse range of celebrations that include food, culture, traditions, religion, art, music, wine, sports and more.

Italy’s travel and tourism sector showed strong growth last year, injecting €215 billion into the national economy. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), this trend is expected to continue, with the sector expected to contribute over €223 billion in 2024. Employment in the sector is also expected to grow, supporting an additional 100,000 jobs, reaching nearly 3.1 million. The year 2024 is predicted to set new records for spending by international visitors, estimated at 56.7 billion euros, while domestic spending could reach 119 billion euros. In 2023, the sector created nearly 185,000 jobs and international spending increased by 19% to €51.4 billion.

Milan Malpensa serves as Italy’s main airport. In April 2024, the airport had a 10.70% increase in traffic compared to the previous year, with 2.353 million passengers.

Economically, the service sector, including tourism, banking and retail, is crucial to Italy’s economic health. Italy’s compelling cultural heritage and picturesque landscapes have made it a major global tourist destination, significantly increasing national income. In 2023, the Italian economy saw real GDP grow by nearly 1%, with private consumption growing by 1.2% due to improved labor market conditions. Investment remained a key driver of the recovery, with the services sector growing by 1.6%, construction by almost 4%, and manufacturing continuing to expand.

In the first quarter of 2024, the hotel market in Italy was a main focus for investors, with 330 million euros invested in prestigious holiday destinations and cities of art. Investor confidence remains high, with expectations for a normalization of the hospitality industry’s performance after the extraordinary increases in room rates in recent years.

Tourist attractions in Italy: The Colosseum in Rome, Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Vatican City with the Basilica of St. Peter’s, the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums, Lake Como and the Amalfi Coast.